TurboGrafx-16 Facts for Kids

The TurboGrafx-16 was a video game console that first came out in Japan on October 30, 1987. It arrived in North America on August 29, 1989. In some parts of the world, it was known as the PC Engine. This console was created by two companies: Hudson Soft and NEC.

One of the most exciting things about the TurboGrafx-16 was that it was the very first game console to have an add-on that let you play games from CDs! It competed with other popular consoles of its time, like the SNES and the Sega Genesis.

History of the TurboGrafx-16
- Launching in Japan
- Arriving in North America
Cool Features of the Console
- The CD-ROM Add-on
- Handheld Version: TurboExpress
Games You Could Play
Why Was It Special?
Images for kids
See also

History of the TurboGrafx-16

The TurboGrafx-16 had an interesting journey from Japan to other countries. It started as a big hit in its home country before trying to win over players elsewhere.

Launching in Japan

When the console first launched in Japan, it was called the PC Engine. It quickly became very popular. People loved its powerful graphics and sound for the time. It was smaller than many other consoles, which also made it unique.

Arriving in North America

When NEC decided to bring the console to North America, they changed its name to TurboGrafx-16. They hoped this new name would sound more exciting to players there. It faced tough competition from Nintendo and Sega, who already had many fans.

Cool Features of the Console

The TurboGrafx-16 had some special features that made it stand out from other consoles. It was known for its graphics and its ability to expand.

The CD-ROM Add-on

One of the most important features was its ability to use a CD-ROM add-on. This was a big deal because most games at the time came on cartridges. CDs could hold much more information than cartridges. This meant games could have better graphics, more detailed sounds, and even full-motion video clips. This was very new and exciting for players.

The TurboGrafx-16/PC Engine was the first video game console capable of playing CD-ROM games with an optional add-on.

PC Engine CoreGrafx with CD-ROM² and interface unit

Handheld Version: TurboExpress

The TurboGrafx-16 also had a portable version called the TurboExpress. It was like a handheld console that could play the same games as the home console. This was amazing because it meant you could take your favorite games with you wherever you went. It was one of the first handhelds to offer such high-quality gaming on the go.

TurboExpress

Games You Could Play

Many different games were made for the TurboGrafx-16 and PC Engine. Some were action games, while others were puzzles or adventures. The CD-ROM add-on also allowed for new types of games with more story and animation.

Some popular games included Bonk's Adventure, a fun platformer, and Splatterhouse, a horror-themed action game. The console had a good variety of games for different tastes.

Why Was It Special?

The TurboGrafx-16 was special because it pushed the boundaries of what video game consoles could do. It was a pioneer in using CD technology for games. Even though it faced strong competition, it showed what was possible for future consoles. It helped pave the way for games with more complex stories and better graphics.